Citing his need to "focus on his family's needs," Durst delivered a letter of resignation to the governor's office, triggering an opening to represent Boise District No. 18 in the upcoming 2014 session of the Idaho Legislature.

Boise Weekly has learned that a "petition of dissolution" of Durst's marriage was filed in Washington State's King County Oct. 28, which followed a "petition of protection" filed against him by his wife, also in King County Oct. 21.

"We ended up not getting a divorce, but that five-month period was the hardest of my entire life. I spent four months living by myself. But my wife and I reconciled," Durst told BW in January. "Marriage is an ongoing process. Essentially, this has to be a family decision instead of a Branden decision."

In a statement from the Idaho Democratic Party, Durst indicated, "He does not believe he can give his constituents the representation they deserved in the meantime."

Dust had served as a Representative in the Idaho House, also representing District No. 18, from 2006 to 2010 and was elected to the State Senate in November 2012.

District No. 18 Legislative Chair John Goettsche will oversee the candidate recruitment committee that will eventually send three names to Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter, who will chose Durst's replacement. The seat will be open for election in the May Democratic Primary and next November's general election.